Paralysie laryngée

Laryngeal paralysis is a serious disease of the upper respiratory tract concerning large breed dogs (hound dogs, Labradors). Male dogs older aged over 6 of years are more at risk. This multifactorial disease is characterized by a laryngeal lumen obstruction during inspiration. This obstruction is the result of an impaired abduction of the arytenoid cartilage by the dorsal cricoarytenoid muscle. Clinical history is very characteristic (dyspnea, stridor, cough), final diagnosis needs a direct or video-endoscopic laryngeal visualization during breathing. Laryngeal paralysis may be the only clinical manifestation of an underlying neuromuscular disease that has to be investigated. Treatment is surgical and consists in the permanent opening of the rima glottidis by abduction or lateralization of the arytenoid cartilage. Postoperative complications are common and may be life-threatening (aspiration pneumonia). The risk of occurrence of such complications is life-long. The definitive prognosis can’t be achieved without ruling out possible intercurrent diseases.